Buffalo Bills News - July 28, 2015

Brandon’s roles reflect synergy of franchises [1:57 AM]Buffalo News reports:
'In recent months, Brandon had become increasingly involved with the Sabres’ business operations. Other members of the Bills’ front office, such as senior vice president of media and content Marc Honan, have already been doing Sabres-related work in addition to their Bills responsibilities.'

Just like you, Brandon’s a fan [1:55 AM]Buffalo News reports:
'The more time Kim Pegula spent with the Bills, the more evident it became that their front office was much stronger than the Sabres’ operation. Not only did the owners look to the top for what worked for the Bills, they also looked to the top for changes that needed to be made with the Sabres. They weren’t just streamlining operations. '

Look fans, no coach! [1:54 AM]Buffalo News reports:
'And Bills fans seem to be just fine with that: No Doug Marrone? No problem.'

QB competition will be key component of Bills' camp [1:53 AM]Rochester D&C reports:
'With so much talent at the skill positions with LeSean McCoy, Percy Harvin, Charles Clay and Jerome Felton joining Sammy Watkins, Robert Woods, Chris Hogan and Fred Jackson, the Bills could make some serious noise this year if their quarterback can simply not screw things up and just distribute the ball to everyone with some semblance of consistency. Of course, with a depth chart of — in no particular order — Cassel, Manuel, Taylor, and Simms, that might be asking too much.'

3 reasons Charles Clay could be the Buffalo Bills' leading receiver in 2015 [1:52 AM]Syracuse Post Standard reports:
'Ever since his introductory press conference, Bills offensive coordinator Greg Roman has emphasized how important the tight end position will be in Buffalo's offense. The Bills supported that by making Clay one of the highest paid tight ends in the NFL. If organized team activities and minicamp were any indication, Clay will be targeted early and often in this offense. He mentioned earlier this offseason that the Bills don't want him coming off the field. That bodes well for his production.'

Russ Brandon now president of both Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres [1:51 AM]Syracuse Post Standard reports:
'While Brandon has gotten heat from fans for some football decisions, he will be relied on for his business ability in his new role. Brandon navigated the Bills through the sale of the franchise following Ralph Wilson Jr.'s death and is a big reason the franchise stayed in Western New York.'

Bills about to start three-man weave at QB [1:48 AM]The Sports Xchange reports:
'"It doesn't fire me up," Manuel said of his many doubters. "If I continue to focus on what I need to do to get better, I think that's what matters for me. I really don't buy into the extra stuff being said. I just focus on what I need to focus on."'

Will the Bills defense be as dominant in 2015? [1:47 AM]WGR-AM reports:
'It’s generally considered and accepted that the Bills will once again have one of the top defenses in the National Football League. And why not? It’s a unit that returns ten of eleven starters after finishing fourth overall in both yards and points allowed per game, and third in yards per play allowed last season. And even though they lost the man many view mostly responsible for harnessing that talent, Jim Schwartz, they’re now going to be coached by Rex Ryan, considered one of the best defensive minds in the game over the past decade.'

Bills top 20 talents: No. 3 - WR Sammy Watkins [1:46 AM]WKBW-TV reports:
'In the upcoming season, Watkins will once again be the top wide receiver on the roster -- even if the quarterback play can't take full advantage of him. Watkins will make highlight reel-worthy plays throughout the season, even if his stats won't indicate an elite level receiver. The next step for him is to be moved all over the field, rather than just playing at one spot like he did in 2014. Unfortunately, he goes as the quarterbacks go, which is why he only placed at number three this year.'

Bills top 20 talents: No. 4 - DT Kyle Williams [1:45 AM]WKBW-TV reports:
'The decline in ability hasn't happened yet for Williams, and the Bills are certainly hoping it doesn't happen in 2015 -- a year that they believe is the best chance to get to the postseason in quite some time. Williams will be paired with Marcell Dareus to form one of the best defensive tackle duos in all the NFL. They work very well with one another, and will certainly set the tone for the defense as they have done for the past several years.'

Can Buffalo's defense be number one? [1:44 AM]BuffaloBills.com reports:
'“I think it’s very rare. Mostly, I see coaching staff turnover, I’ve had a different coach every year,” said Mario Williams. “To be able to play and jell with guys, especially in the same group, same room—I think it’s very important. If you can do that and the guys can work together and produce, that’s one of the keys to get to where you want to be at the end of the year.” '

July 27, 2015

Cassel has 'high expectations' for himself [8:54 PM]Bradford Era reports:
'“I think you have to go in with high expectations, and for me, it’s about going in there, executing and learning the new offense. We put in a lot of hard work this offseason, but now it’s when it counts, when you put on the pads. Go out there, execute and hopefully win the job.”'

Is Charles Clay the Bills' long-lost tight end? [1:58 AM]Buffalo News reports:
'Despite years of lackluster quarterback play, the Bills haven’t invested much into the position that’s often a quarterback’s best friend. From 2000-2014, the Bills’ top tight end had at least 50 receptions only twice. Five seasons, they didn't even have a tight end reach 300 yards. They’ve skated by with the likes of Mark Campbell (2003, trade), Robert Royal (2006, five years/$10 million), Shawn Nelson (2009, fourth round) and Jonathan Stupar (2008, practice squad).'

New party plans for McCoy... [1:57 AM]Buffalo News reports:
'That whole females-only party LeSean McCoy was throwing Sunday night? The Buffalo Bills running back is now welcoming... everyone!'

Five previous Bills camps that generated a buzz [1:56 AM]Rochester D&C reports:
'Bills fans were giddy when the team arrived for this camp. On the heels of the worst season since 1985, the gruesome 3-13 abomination in the first year of the Tom Donahoe-Gregg Williams Era, hopes were high that a turnaround was on the horizon. In the offseason, the Bills acquired quarterback Drew Bledsoe in a trade from New England, giving the Bills their first competent player at that critical position since Jim Kelly in 1996.'

Bills QB: The cases for Cassel, Manuel, and Taylor [1:55 AM]WGR-AM reports:
'If you were to go into a science lab and construct, physically, what you’d like an NFL QB to look like, and the physical and mental attributes you’d like him to have, you’d come out of there with something very similar to EJ Manuel.'

Bills top 20 talents: No. 5 - HB LeSean McCoy [1:54 AM]WKBW-TV reports:
'The Bills were disappointed in 2014 because they expected the running game to help lead the efforts. The offensive line was woeful, and the running backs couldn't over-compensate for them -- meaning changes were on the way for 2015. The Bills addressed the offensive line, and went for as high-profile an acquisition as you'll find in trading for McCoy this offseason. McCoy will be the leader of the entire offense, and will be the focal point of both the Bills and their opponents.'

Bills top 20 talents: No. 6 - DE Mario Williams [1:53 AM]WKBW-TV reports:
'Williams will once again be a part of one of the most talented defensive lines in all the NFL. He'll certainly disappear sometimes, but he also has shown the ability to take over a game when the right tackle in front of him is simply no match. With Rex Ryan at the helm and calling the defense in 2015, there will likely be many opportunities for Williams to put up big production in sacks for the upcoming campaign.'

Bills top 20 talents: No. 7 - DE Jerry Hughes [1:52 AM]WKBW-TV reports:
'- With a brand new contract in hand and a brand new defensive scheme in town, Hughes could have his biggest statistical output since entering the NFL. Rex Ryan is known for packing the pressure and creating unique blitzes, which could turn Hughes into a weapon in this Bills defense. He has the ability to be a stand-up rush outside linebacker in addition to his normal defensive end duties. Over the past several years, Ryan hasn't had a pass rusher as talented as Hughes, which could bring big results. Often thought of as the fourth-best of the four defensive linemen, Hughes will challenge that this year.'

Can LeSean McCoy reach 2,000 all-purpose yards? [1:51 AM]BuffaloBills.com reports:
'“I know they want LeSean to get up to 300 carries this year,” said Jackson in a radio interview on Bills flagship station WGR Sportsradio 550. “That’s a guy you’re feeding the ball all the time.”'

3 ways Percy Harvin will help the offense [1:50 AM]BuffaloBills.com reports:
'“Percy is a world class athlete that’s a very tough, physical, strong football player that we envision being a big factor for us at the receiver position,” said Roman. “And I personally think his best days are ahead of him as a receiver, down-in and down-out.”'

July 26, 2015

Bills are in for a new level of team bonding at ‘Camp Rex’ [1:59 AM]Buffalo News reports:
'“It’s more about building chemistry than actual X’s and O’s and execution and stuff like that,” says Bart Scott, who played linebacker for Ryan on the Jets and when Ryan was defensive coordinator of the Baltimore Ravens. “It’s really more about building a cohesive unit.”'

Bills refuse to make a snap judgment at quarterback [1:58 AM]Buffalo News reports:
'Ryan says he understands fans’ frustration about the never-ending search for Jim Kelly’s successor as the organization’s franchise quarterback, but feels that a three-man competition is a reason to be excited.'

Cast aside by Eagles, Bills’ McCoy has plenty to prove [1:57 AM]Buffalo News reports:
'He’s electric. He’s elite. In six seasons, McCoy has already rushed for 6,792 yards and 44 touchdowns with another 2,282 yards and 10 touchdowns receiving. As other teams invest in $100 Million Dollar Quarterbacks, the Bills paid up for a 27-year-old running back.'

Is Marcell Dareus the best DT in the division? [1:56 AM]Buffalo News reports:
'As for Dareus, he has a strong case to make. His sack total has increased from 5.5 (twice) to 7.5. to 10 last season. Demanding double-teams at a nimble 331 pounds, he has helped free up both Williams and Jerry Hughes. Further, he might be the No. 1 reason the Bills’ run defense has finished 11th and fifth the last two years. Wider than Suh, with a motor that doesn't flicker as much, he'll control a gap with more regularity.'